re: Latest Updates: Russia-Ukraine Conflict.

As long as we're still on this topic, more information arises -

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MP Exposed as FSB Agent: Ukraine uncovers Russian infiltration of Anti-Corruption Bureau

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The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the Prosecutor General’s Office have exposed sitting MP Fedir Khrystenko, a member of the now-banned Opposition Platform — For Life (OPZZh) party, as a traitor. According to case materials, he was a senior (resident) agent of Russia’s FSB and was tasked with expanding Russian influence over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).

He has been charged in absentia under the following articles of Ukraine’s Criminal Code:

Part 2 of Article 28, Parts 1 and 2 of Article 111 (high treason committed by a group of individuals by prior agreement during wartime),

Part 2 of Article 369-2 (abuse of influence). After the full-scale invasion began, Khrystenko fled abroad and continues to influence the Bureau.

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The investigation also revealed Khrystenko’s ongoing contacts with certain NABU officials, including Ruslan Magamedrasulov, head of one of NABU’s interregional detective departments, who was arrested today on suspicion of doing business with Russia and maintaining ties with Russian operatives.

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Another link is Oleksandr Skomarov, head of a NABU detective division, with whom Khrystenko remains in close contact. In 2022, during the full-scale invasion, Skomarov’s wife crossed the border in a car owned by Khrystenko’s wife.

Skomarov had also participated in the competition to head the Bureau of Economic Security (BES). Investigators say oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskyi hoped that, if Skomarov won, he would use the position to help shut down a criminal case against him. This was confirmed by Kolomoiskyi’s correspondence with a subordinate.

Kolomoiskyi wasn’t the only oligarch Khrystenko tried to assist. It was documented that NABU detectives helped another businessman, Kolomoiskyi’s associate Hennadii Boholiubov, flee Ukraine. Two NABU staff members under Skomarov escorted Boholiubov across the border, sitting in a neighboring train compartment “for backup.” The operation was reportedly orchestrated by Khrystenko.

During searches of Khrystenko’s associates, investigators found NABU case materials, including secret surveillance documents and candidate profiles for NABU detective positions — evidence of Russian infiltration and systematic information leaks from the anti-corruption agency.

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LINK

Let me guess... he bought a block of flats and paid cash. Arrests are accelerating, but only in the upper classes.

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The initial EU reaction to the passage of the NABU / SAPO bill yesterday and it isn't optimal. Lots of work to do in Kyiv.

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EU privately warns Ukraine anti-graft agencies law is a setback for membership talks, media reports

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The EU has privately warned Ukraine that its new law curtailing independence of anti-corruption bodies undermines the country's EU membership aspirations, European Pravda reported on July 23, citing undisclosed EU sources.

EU officials reportedly expressed alarm over the legislation, which grants the prosecutor general sweeping powers over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The bill prompted widespread protests across Ukraine.

The legislation, swiftly pushed through by President Volodymyr Zelensky's lawmakers on July 22 and signed by the president the same day, "crossed red lines" for Brussels, the sources told European Pravda.

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Following an online meeting with EU Commission official Gert Jan Koopman on July 23, Kachka sought to reassure Brussels that European integration remains Ukraine's top priority. "European integration transformations, in particular those defined by the Roadmap on the Rule of Law, remain a priority for us — Ukraine will continue to implement measures aimed at achieving the goals set out in the document," Kachka said.

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Then, in the middle of the article, we find this little jewel -

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Olha Stefanishyna, the former deputy prime minister for European Integration, confirmed in an interview for European Pravda that July 18 was indeed expected to be the start day of the [EU] accession talks.

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Damn. I'm not saying this opens a whole new can of worms, but it opens a whole new can of worms. There's obviously a lot here that we don't know and need to learn and by "we" I include Brussels.

Stay tuned campers.

LINK

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I will propose a bill to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine that will be the response. It will ensure the strength of the rule of law system, and there will be no Russian influence or interference in the activities of law enforcement. And very importantly – all the norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place.

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This reading would underline the "we had to destroy it to save it" school of thought. If so, Zelenskyy needs to work fast - as fast as yesterday's bill went through - and above all, keep everyone informed all the way through. Like full readings of proposed new legisl... er, Presidential Bills and daily updates on progress.

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Yeah. The art of starving off the other side isn’t as old as man himself.

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Art? One million casualties with little success after three plus years. And you believe it’s a smart strategy!

If Ukraine capitulated tomorrow, it’s still a huge blow to the once great Russian empire.

Art my arse.

US Approves $322 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine, Including HAWK Air Defense and Bradley Vehicles

Jul 23, 2025 23:53
Updated Jul 24, 2025 00:35

The US Department of State has approved the sale of two military aid packages to Ukraine, totaling $322 million, as announced on July 23. This includes $172 million for HAWK Phase III air defense systems, covering maintenance, trucks, spare parts, repairs, and training. Additionally, $150 million is allocated for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, along with their repair and technical support.

The package will support Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense against growing security threats, with the acquisition of key equipment and services, such as spare parts, trucks, technical assistance, and training for the HAWK missile system, states Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in a press release.

Additionally, the deal includes the refurbishment and overhaul of HAWK air defense fire units, missile repairs, and logistical support.

This move aligns with the United States’ foreign policy and national security goals by helping Ukraine bolster its self-defense and regional security capabilities. The proposed sale will not disrupt the military balance in the region, DSCA claims.

The HAWK system is expected to significantly enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, enabling it to address both current and future aerial threats, such as shahed drones. Key contractors involved in the deal include Sielman Corporation (Greece), RTX Corporation (US), and PROJECTXYZ (US).

United24Media

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But the Ukraine Cinstitution is not the same as ours.
Yea it's a lot less democratic. Hence a lot more dictator friendly

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True, but our presidents have violated our Constitution in war times. We suspended civil rights, we locked up citizens, and we divided a state.

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Nineteen per cent of our country isn’t occupied by a foreign power.
How much of our country was held by the federal government during the 1864 election?

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You mean how many times did Lincoln do what he felt necesssry to save the Union even though it meant violating our Constitution?

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Much of the US isn’t defending itself against nightly air raids. Millions of Americans didn’t flee the country.
So they can be associated undemocratic as they want... But you cant deny that they are being very not strong democracy.

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So it’s ok for nations to bomb, attack, and kill citizens of Les’s democratic nations? No it’s not.

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Russia is the problem not Ukraine corruption.
One is a huge problem, the other are medium size problem.
Big problems don't make lesser problems not a problem.

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I don’t recall Ukraine being a problem once they agreed to give up the nukes. What was it that they did or were they doing to cause us problems?
Whatever it was it couldn’t come close to what Russia was doing to cause issues for us around the world.

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True, but our presidents have violated our Constitution in war times. We suspended civil rights, we locked up citizens, and we divided a state.

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Are you saying that was a good thing?

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You mean how many times did Lincoln do what he felt necesssry to save the Union even though it meant violating our Constitution?

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Again he faced the electorate.
Congress backed his moves legally.
The Supreme Court sided with him.

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So it’s ok for nations to bomb, attack, and kill citizens of Les’s democratic nations? No it’s not.

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Uh isn't Ukraine bombing and attacking the citizens of less democratic Russia?

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I don’t recall Ukraine being a problem once they agreed to give up the nukes.

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Did I say they were?
I'm taking the pro Ukrainian people position here, the same as the protesters are.

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What was it that they did or were they doing to cause us problems?
Whatever it was it couldn’t come close to what Russia was doing to cause issues for us around the world.

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The problem is that their government is becoming less and less democratic, this is not a problem the Ukrainian people are unaware of.

Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies hail Zelenskyy's law reform initiative to safeguard their independence

Tetyana Oliynyk — Wednesday, 23 July 2025, 21:21

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have warmly welcomed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s initiative to craft a draft law aimed at fortifying the law and order system while safeguarding the independence of anti-corruption institutions.

Source: NABU and SAPO

Quote: "NABU and SAPO stand ready to engage in discussions and the drafting of a legislative measure that will dispel legal risks, uphold rule of law standards, and unlock greater potential for ensuring justice in Ukraine.

We are grateful for the constructive dialogue and meetings that foster collaborative efforts."

Details: They firmly believe that preserving the independence of detectives and prosecutors "is a cornerstone for effectively probing corruption crimes and fulfilling Ukraine’s international commitments."

Ukrainska Pravda